Part two: approach and techniques

Much of the research for this project would be gleaned from anthropological methods, participant observation, interviews and questionnaires. It is hoped that this will be achieved through a series of work placements in various parts of the industry, eg

Other research materials would include annual reports from the BBC and S4C, the two companies who are largely responible for the presentation of Welsh-language music to the public via broadcast media. Other companies and organisations, however small, are essential to the continuation of the culture - independent record labels, fanzines, promoters, local recording studios etc. - and their roles would be fully researched and duly noted.

A comparative study could be made between the music industries of Wales and other Celtic countries such as Scotland - a cultural pfhenomenon which boasts a wealth of resources, including books by Patrick Kane (Tinsel Show: Pop, Politics, Scotland), Jim Wilkie (Blue Suede Brogans) and Hamish Henderson (Alias McAlias) as well as its own Network Chart.

It is hoped that the data and results will be presented in the form of various media - appendices including photographs, record and magazine sleeves, copies of reports or other relevant documents, transcripts of interviews or statements, compilation audio and video tapes of live material, promo clips, TV appearances or interviews etc.

The hope is that this project will be developed into a website that will promote Welsh music throughout the world on the Internet. This project has begun during my diploma/MA studies, with the development of The Welsh Pop Music Resource Pages, which includes contributions from various bands, record labels, management companies, venues. cybercafes and magazines which are dedicated to the promotion of Welsh pop music.

The project was begun in December 1997, features graphics, text and audio, and is currently under continuous development. It is hoped that this site will become a resource base for the benefit of networking and maintaining contacts, and more importantly, that it becomes a respected resource and research site for anyone interested in the study of Welsh popular music. To this end, it is hoped that my complete thesis will form part of this site along with the associated media clipswhich I intend to clear for use with the appropriate owners.

The thesis could also be developed as an audio or video documentary containing interview material as well as musical excerpts, which could be broadcast locally or nationally, and which would help further promote both the industry and the academic body responsible for creating and supporting the work.

At the time of writing, a CD-ROM format is also being considered as an appropriate form for this project, which will help promote the understanding of Welsh popular music as a promotional CD-ROM for distribution to arts organisations around the world. This CD-ROM could also be used at home thanks to the growth of home computer systems and information technology.